By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 13: Sarawak’s own state maritime security, Sarawak Coastguard is expected to be operational in 2021.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said with all the capacities and resources allocated into Sarawak Coastguard by the state government, the unit which will protect 788km of Sarawak coastline will operate soon next year.
“The Sarawak government has set up the Sarawak Coastguard to protect 788km of Sarawak coastline and RM90 million has been allocated in the State Budget 2020 to undertake various programs and projects.
“The assets for Sarawak Coastguard include six interceptors, 51 newly recruited coastguards, nine patrol boats,” he said when reading his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today.
Adding on, he noted several coastguard headquarters or offices to be proposed under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12).
Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development, then pointed out the 42 Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (Scats) traffic systems in Kuching is scheduled to complete in the first quarter of 2021.
The same Scats traffic systems will then be extended to Miri, Bintulu and Sibu.
“Under the Smart Mobility Initiative, the Sarawak government has implemented Scats traffic systems for 72 traffic signals to provide safe movement at intersections for vehicles and pedestrians in the state,” he said.
With this smart traffic light solution, he noted its benefit enabling the government to monitor the effectiveness of Movement Control Order (MCO) during this Covid-19 pandemic via the volume of traffic.-DayakDaily
